Metasearch refers to online platforms that aggregate and display search results from various sources, allowing users to compare prices and availability across multiple websites in one place. In the context of hospitality, metasearch engines gather hotel listings from different online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel booking sites, enabling users to easily compare rates, reviews, and amenities before making a booking decision. Hotels often participate in metasearch advertising programs to increase their visibility and direct bookings by appearing prominently in search results. These platforms play a crucial role in travelers' decision-making processes, offering transparency and convenience in hotel booking.
What are some popular metasearch engines for hotel bookings?
Common metasearch engines include Google Hotel Search, Trivago, Kayak, TripAdvisor, and HotelsCombined.
How do metasearch engines make money?
Metasearch engines typically earn revenue through cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-acquisition (CPA) models, where they receive payment from hotels or online travel agencies (OTAs) for clicks or bookings generated through their platforms.